John S. Appleton Jr.

John S. Appleton, Jr., age 83, of Claymont, DE died Sunday October 4, 2015 at Christiana Hospital. John graduated from Claymont High School where he played on the 1950 undefeated football team. He served in the Navy on the USS Dennis Buckley #808. John worked as a maintenance machinist for Phoenix Steel and the DuPont Company. He was a member of Granite Corinthian Masonic Lodge #34 and the Delaware Consistory, as well as the Romeo Club. John was a highly skilled wood worker, a champion horseshoe player, a deer hunter and a fisherman. He enjoyed Country music, especially blue grass. John made people laugh and loved to tell stories about his past. He was a friend to many. John was predeceased by his father, mother and brother. John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Audrey Appleton; daughters, Lorraine Chambers (Michael) and Diane Sparks (Keith). He is also survived by six grandchildren, Christine, John, Ryan, Heather, Jessica and Jennifer; and three great grandchildren, Bryan, Ethan and Jamison. A viewing will be held at Gebhart Funeral Home, 3401 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 7:00-9:00pm, with Masonic services being conducted at 8:00pm. Burial will be private. A public celebration of life will take place on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 11:00am at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 3717 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 240 North James Street, Suite 100A, Newport, DE 19804. To offer condolences, visit: www.gebhartfuneralhomes.com 302.798.7726